Additional Eligibility Criteria

The application process is rigorous but with the right preparation and help from an SBA local office or resource partner, the firm will be able to submit a completed application package. In addition to the basic eligibility criteria, there are additional criteria all firms must meet. Here is the list of additional criteria:

Good Character

The firm and all its principals must show good character. SBA looks at the following to make this decision:

Adverse information regarding criminal conduct

Violations of any SBA regulations

Debarred or suspended firms

Debarred or suspended persons

Submission of false information during the application process or after approval

A firm will be automatically declined if the firm, its owner, manager, partners, LLC member, director, officer, key employee, or any owner of more than 10 percent:

Is currently incarcerated or on parole or probation (either pre-trial or following conviction for felony or any crime involving business integrity)

The application package requires this form be completed by the firm principals

One-Time Only Eligibility

Once a firm or disadvantaged individual (upon whom eligibility was based) has participated in the 8(a) program, neither the firm nor that individual will be eligible again. SBA automatically declines these applications

A business may participate only once. Even if ownership and control has completely changed, the firm will be declined if it applies again

Franchises

Only certain franchises are allowed into the 8(a) program

Applications from franchises are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure that control requirements are met for the 8(a) program

Still, in every case, the franchise must be owned by individuals, and by disadvantaged individuals

Brokers & Nonprofit Organizations

SBA automatically declines applications from the following:

Brokers

Nonprofit organizations (except Community Development Corporations)

Businesses owned by another firm, even if that firm is owned by another disadvantaged firm or firms (except for certain firms owned by parent corporation that is, in turn, owned by an Alaska Native Corporation or Native Hawaiian Organization)

None of these firms above can ever be admitted into SBA's 8(a) Business Development program. See SBA’s regulations for an explanation of "unconditional" ownership by an individual; and eligibility requirements for Alaska Native Corporations, firms owned by Indian tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations or Community Development Corporations.

Federal Financial Obligations

SBA automatically declines applications where the firm or any of its principals fail to pay significant financial obligations owed to the federal government. See SBA’s regulations for more details.